How to Create The Perfect Calorie Wise Salad

Getting enough greens is important, particularly when you are trying to watch your weight. Yes, salads are a great way to fill you up before a meal. They have loads of fibre and when you add veggies and protein into the mix, they are a super healthy option. Creating the perfect salad isn’t easy, though! If you need a little help getting started, here are some tips to make your own calorie wise salad.

Start With the Lettuce
There are many options when it comes to your salad base. You don’t just have to tear up some iceberg lettuce and be done with it! Try choosing romaine lettuce instead. It is even healthier than iceberg, and comes in either red or green. (Which is the perfect way to add a little bit of colour to your salad!) You may also choose to include mixed greens, spinach, kale, watercress or arugula. Mix them together or pick your favourite!

Add Veggies…And Lots of Them!

The thing about veggies is that they are healthy. They are also a great way to get your fill of fibre and make your calorie wise salad more filling. What does that mean for losing weight? Filling up on a healthy salad before the main course will prevent you from overeating unhealthy foods later on. When it comes to creating your salad, add in lots of vegetables in different colours. Visually that will add interest! Things like red and yellow peppers, cauliflower, and radishes will give your salad the colour you crave. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, vegetables also give your salad a unique combination of textures and flavours.

Do Something Different With Fruit

It’s easy to throw on calorie heavy croutons for a change of taste and texture. If you really want to mix things up, try some fruit. The combination of your lettuce and veggies with all that sweetness will be unforgettable! Fruit can add more vitamins and minerals to your salad, making it healthier. Be careful not to overdo it though. Too much fruit can take your calorie wise salad and make it a real splurge. A little goes a long way with taste, anyway! Incorporate small chunks of pineapple, raisins, cranberries, blueberries, or grapes.

Think About Protein

When your salad is being served as the entrée instead of the starter, you’ll need to spend a little time thinking about protein. The mixture of filling greens, veggies, and protein will leave you feeling completely satisfied. Some ideas? Add in a little tuna, tofu, grilled chicken, or kidney beans. Each one of these ingredients will give your salad a lot of extra flavour and protein.

Don’t Blow It On The Dressing

The last calorie wise tip for your salad? Don’t overdo it with your salad dressing. Things like ranch and thousand islands dressings tend to have a lot of calories in them. (Yes, even the low fat options.) Limit the amount you use or look for healthier options. It may be able to save you hundreds of calories.

Creating a healthy salad doesn’t have to be complicated. All it takes is leafy greens, brightly coloured veggies, and a few extras to give your salad a bit of extra flair.